Be Brave

Dream Big

Elementary

Be Resilient

Biographies

Read Along With Vooks

Celebrate Black History

Seasonal - Spring

Nature

Build Confidence

All Seasons

Women Who Changed the World

Vooks A to Z

Kid at Heart

Wangari, grew up in Kenya, surrounded by beautiful trees. Years later, after returning home from college, she is shocked to see entire forests cut down. The land is barren and the people in the villages are suffering. She knows that if trees could return, then the land and people would flourish once again. Starting small, Wangari plants nine seedlings in her own backyard. Soon, women from her village, and beyond, are joining in! The movement grows. Despite being mocked, and even thrown in jail, Wangari’s determination and vision inspire change across Africa and even the world. 

Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa, is a message of strength, determination and responsibility for the environment around us. The empowering true story of Wangari Maathai, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is sure to inspire future generations. Through Wangari’s example we learn that one person can truly make a difference and impact the world. 

Wangari's Trees of Peace is written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter and published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.


Through Wangari’s example we learn that one person can truly make a difference and impact the world.

Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa

Animals

Camp Vooks

On the Farm

Mindfulness

Be Creative

Be Caring and Kind

Everyone's Reading

Jadav lives on an island in the middle of a river. When floodwaters begin destroying the island’s trees, Jadav starts planting bamboo. The shoots grow into a thicket—but Jadav fears it’s not enough. He collects supplies and seeds from neighboring villages. He tends the plants each day. And slowly, acre by acre, animal by animal, the thicket grows into something remarkable.

Follow the true-life story of Jadav, the boy who grew a forest. His 1,300-acre sanctuary—that’s over 900 football fields of forest—stands as an important reminder of a powerful truth: A single person can make an incredible difference.

The Boy Who Grew a Forest traces the story of Jadav Payeng, a Mishing tribesman whose life demonstrates the importance of personal responsibility, patience, care, and hard work. Winner of numerous awards, the book was written by Sophia Ghotz, illustrated by Kayla Harren, and is published by Sleeping Bear Press.

The trees are disappearing from Jadav’s island. What does he decide to do about it? Plant a forest, of course.

The Boy Who Grew a Forest

Familius Presents

"Courageous people are all around, but not all are household names throughout the world. In this inspiring and informative historical title, get acquainted with courageous people from the state of Washington, in the United States of America. Meet Chief Seattle, for whom a city was named after; Catherine Montgomery, who helped create a trail from Mexico to Canada; and many others."

With beautiful illustrations and fun and engaging stories, Courageous People From Washington Who Changed the World is sure to entertain and inspire! Courageous People From Washington Who Changed the World is written by Heidi Poelman, illustrated by Kyle Kershner, and published by Familius.


Get acquainted with courageous people from the state of Washington, in the United States of America.

Courageous People From Washington Who Changed The World

Sing-alongs and Music

Sick Day Stories

S.T.E.A.M.

How We Work

Meet Allegro, a young boy who can’t stand practicing the piano. It’s hard and frustrating and he is ready to give up—until the music itself suddenly whisks him away on a magical adventure!Classical music comes to life like never before in this magical journey through 11 timeless compositions. Follow along as Allegro is carried through a range of emotive landscapes, each accompanied by a famous classical theme. Little ones will appreciate music in a whole new way as they discover that becoming a great musician (or anything for that matter) is only possible with patience and practice.

This wondrous story comes from family focused publisher, Familius. Allegro is masterfully written by David Miles and beautifully illustrated by Anita Barghigiani.

Music comes to life in this magical journey through 11 classical masterpieces!

Allegro

Vooks at a Glance

Vooks Originals

Little Samantha had a BIG dream: to be an Olympian! She loved gymnastics, the way the athletes moved on the floor, the vault, the uneven bars and the balance beam. With the support of her parents, Samantha worked hard and dreamed BIG! To be an Olympian Samantha would have to be the very best, or so she thought. When adversity struck again and again, Samantha had to learn the true meaning of being an Olympian and being her best self.

Based on the life and story of Olympian Samantha Peszek, Little Girl Big Dream inspires children to dream BIG, work hard, love themselves and to support and encourage others. Little Girl Big Dream is written by Leslie Harter, Illustrated by Hayley Moore and published by Vooks.

Samantha had a BIG dream! Being an Olympian meant she had to be the very best, or so she thought...

Little Girl Big Dream: The Story of Olympian Samantha Peszek

Friendship

Poetry

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by...

Robert Frost’s classic poem, The Road Not Taken, comes to life like never before with this beautiful and touching companion presentation. Heartwarming illustrations accompany the original text, as we follow a young boy on his journey through a yellow wood. When a fork in the road arises, the boy is faced with a choice–the first of many in life. By journey’s end, the boy (now an old man) reflects on the sweet satisfaction of a life fully lived. 

The first children's book ever made of Frost's famous poem, this moving presentation is wonderfully illustrated by Vivian Mineker and proudly published by Familius, a values-driven publisher on a mission to teach, inspire, and bring families together.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by…

The Road Not Taken

Early Childhood

Storytime Favorites

And the People Stayed Home tells the story of the global Coronavirus pandemic, from a very different point of view. In a time of uncertainty and fear, this thought provoking story focuses instead on hope and beauty. This thoughtful poem about the pandemic, quarantine, and the future suggests there is meaning to be found in our shared experience of the Coronavirus. It also joyfully conveys an optimistic message about the possibility of profound healing for people and the planet.

And the People Stayed Home is the uplifting poem that swept the world during the global Coronavirus pandemic. Written by Kitty O’Meara in March of 2020, the poem immediately went viral. In a time where millions of people were undergoing quarantine, many feeling distant and unsure, O’Meara’s interesting perspective helped many see a brighter side. The poem has been so widely shared through social media, news media, and by influencers such as Deepak Chopra, Kate Winslet, O, The Oprah Magazine, and many others, that O’Meara, a former teacher and chaplain and currently a spiritual director, has been called “the poet laureate of the pandemic.”

And the People Stayed Home is written by Kitty O’Meara and voiced by Kate Winslet. The best selling book is illustrated by Stephano Di Cristofaro and Paul Pereda, and published by Tra Publishing.

In a time of uncertainty, this story focuses on the hope and beauty of our shared experiences.

And the People Stayed Home

Bedtime

When a young boy finds a strange stick in the park, his life completely changes. The stick fills his mind with imagination and wonder, helping him achieve his dreams and live a happy and full life. But it's not until years later that he discovers the full meaning of the stick and the true power of giving.

Imagination lives in you! This beautiful story, created by silhouette artist and children's author Clay Rice, celebrates imagination and kindness. The calming imagery, heartfelt story and soothing tone make it perfect as a bedtime story or to enjoy anytime of the day. Published by Familius, The Stick brings a warm story to life that is sure to inspire little ones to dream big and share the gift of imagination with others.

A young boy finds a stick in the park that completely changes his life forever.

The Stick

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage

From Abraham Lincoln to Rosa Parks, Courageous People Who Changed the World is a perfect introduction to historical figures who stood up to make a difference in the world. The heroic true stories are told through simple text and engaging illustrations, sure to become an instant favorite for young audiences. Featured are William Wilberforce, Harriet Tubman, Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, Mahatma Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malala Yousafzai. Each story will inspire courage, determination, and a belief that anyone can change the world.

Courageous People Who Changed the World is written by Heidi Poelman, illustrated by Kyle Kershner and published by Familius.

The perfect introduction to historical figures who stood up to make a difference in the world.

Courageous People Who Changed the World

Free Access

In the City

5 Minutes or Less

For Little Sock, every day is the same. He gets worn, he gets dirty, he gets washed. His friends don’t seem to mind the routine, but Little Sock dreams of something new. So one night, Little Sock decides to leave his drawer in search of adventure…to find the fabled land known as Sock City!

Follow Little Sock on this adorable journey about bravery and aspiration. Little ones will discover that sometimes in order to fulfill a dream we have to be courageous and try things that might seem a bit scary at first.

Written by Kia Heise and Christopher D. Park (with illustrations by Christopher D. Park as well), this light-hearted tale published by Sleeping Bear Press is sure to delight!


For Little Sock, every day’s the same—until, one night, he leaves his drawer in search of adventure.

Little Sock

Did you know, voting is just like making a choice? Apples or Oranges? Ice Cream or Cupcake? Some choices are easy, some are hard; but, when you make a choice, you can say that you 'voted' for it. Voting usually includes a lot of people though, with different opinions, all making a choice together. So, how does a big group of people all make a choice together, and why is it important that they are able to?

I Voted is a wonderful introduction to the basic concepts of democracy. The informative and nonpartisan message shows young readers just how powerful and important voting can be. With engaging artwork, and a story that is accessible to all ages, I Voted makes the act of voting easily understandable, and fun! 

I Voted: Making a Choice Makes a Difference is written by Mark Shulman, illustrated by Serge Bloch, and published by Neal Porter Books / Holiday House.

A fun–and informative–introduction to democracy, and how important and powerful voting can be.

I Voted: Making a Choice Makes a Difference

When Irving’s home is burned, his family is forced to flee to America. The trip across the ocean isn’t easy—but when Irving glimpses the Statue of Liberty, the whole boat sings her a grateful song. In New York City, Irving begins a new life. More songs begin to fill his head. Songs that sound like the clank of a railcar, shouts of laughter, the hum of a city full of life.

Come along with Irving as his creative spirit grows into something much bigger than himself. Melodies might be enough to lift his family out of poverty. One might even go on to inspire an entire country—an anthem of gratitude and hope for the land that became his new home.

Following songwriter Irving Berlin’s remarkable life, this story underscores the power of hope, hard work, and limitless creativity. Though his songs were celebrated and performed by countless talented musicians, Irving is best known for his ode to his new home, “God Bless America.” Written by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by James Rey Sanchez, Irving Berlin is published by Creston Books, LLC.


When Irving must flee his home in Russia, he starts a new life in America. What comes next begins with a song.

Irving Berlin: The Immigrant Boy Who Made America Sing

These storybooks and biographies showcase boldness, confidence, and dreaming big!